| Om Shanti Om | - Page 39

Why SRK refused to promote OSO

Juicy Mausi
Last updated : Sep 28, 2007 email

Now, if there's one guy from Bollywood, who I completely adore it's Shah Rukh Khan. I know he's come under a lot of flack for wearing that Om Shanti Om tee at the cricket match. But hey, would anyone miss out on an opportunity as this one? Probably not! So when I was told that he couldn't 'make it' to the shoot of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on Zee TV to promote his film, I knew something was on. Of course the official reason was that he was watching the match. But here's the real story. If you've been watching television (which I am sure you are) you'll know the guy was hosting KBC for Star Plus. And that's the real reason for his not coming.

You see, the contract that has got him on the wrong side of the Bachchans does not allow him to be seen on any other network. But Shah Rukh being Shah Rukh found a way out. He simply invited the winner of the show Aneek Dhar to his sets and made sure the entire media got to know of it! Kudos to your PR skills SRK!

http://www.buzz18.com/snippets/gossip/why-srk-refused-to-pro mote-oso/18571/0


SRK springs a surprise

SRK made up for his absence at the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007, by organising a surprise visit for the finalists, to his sets

Posted On Saturday, September 29, 2007
Kunal M Shah

Shah Rukh Khan was conspicuous by his absence at the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007, Om Shanti Om special episode on Monday for he chose to cheer the Indian cricket team in Joannesburg at the T20 final against Pakistan. The episode was shot with director Farah Khan and leading lady Deepika Padukone promoting the film. The mega-finalists Aneek, Amanat and Raja were terribly disappointed when they learnt that they wouldn't be able to meet SRK. But the SRK had a surprise up his sleeve!

On Tuesday, Khan informed Zee that he would like to meet the contestants at Mohan Studio where he was shooting for an ad film.

According to Payaol Patel (Creative head of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa), the entire credit for making it happen goes to Farah Khan. "We were co-ordinating with Farah regarding this. She continuously assured that us that the meeting with SRK will surely take place. It goes without saying that we are extremely thankful to SRK also for keeping his commitment," says Patel.

So what happened between Khan and the contestants? When the contestants were told about the meeting they were really excited. Says a source from the set, "They couldn't believe that they were actually meeting the superstar in person. SRK follows the show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007 as much as possible. He told Aneek, Raja and Amanat that he had seen their performances and gave them a few tips as well."

He told Aneek that he especially liked him singing 'Ek chatur nar' (from Padosan) last week. Referring to Raja as the Bikaner ka Raja, Shahrukh performed a dance step from the 'Chaiyan Chaiyan' song (Dil Se again) and asked him to sing it in the forthcoming episodes. Finally, he extended a warm welcome to Amanat from Pakistan and told him that his own forefathers also hail from the same country.

Amanat tells us, "I simply couldn't believe that I was seated with Shah Rukh Khan and had a conversation with him for so long. He was very warm."

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&am p;se ctid=30&contentid=20070929200709290234049847c83f2c9

Mushtaq Sheikh pens 'The Making of Om Shanti Om'

By Joginder Tuteja, September 28, 2007 - 19:14 IST

Exactly a month and a half to go for the release of Om Shanti Om and this Farah Khan directorial venture continues to keep making news for all the right reasons.

The latest piece of information to come in is that a book has been written on the making of the film. Of course, it is titled "The Making of Om Shanti Om." Also, if sources are to be believed, the book would be arriving in foreign languages as well.

"Yes, Farah (Khan) and Shahrukh Khan have trusted me to be working on this book. This book is a celebration of the movies," confirms Mushtaq Shiekh, the designated author for the book.

Talking about the contribution made by Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan during the making of the book, he says fondly, "Full credit to both of them as they have allowed it to be my baby. That way I must tell you Farah shows very good faith. Inshallah, I will deliver something that does everyone proud." But why a book?

"There are so many questions people ask about movies and how they are made. With this book, I am trying my level best to give the reader a chance to actually be a part of the movie making process. The behind the scenes, the highs, the lows, the even lower lows, the joy, the pain, the anguish, the celebration of Hindi movies - 'The Making of Om Shanti Om will have it all", reasons Mushtaq Sheikh.

On questioned about the format in which the book would be releasing, Sheikh laughs, "It's going to be different. It's not a coffee table but then it's not like a small paper back copy either. It's just different! Just like the old adage goes - the taste of the format is in buying the copy and finding what I designed for you (laughs again)!"

About Mushtaq Sheikh

A journalist-scriptwriter, Mushtaq Sheikh has the distinction of written three books on Shah Rukh and/or his projects - 'The Making of Asoka', 'Devdas - The Indian Hamlet' and his most recent 'SRK - Still Reading Khan'.

'The Making of Asoka' had marked the beginning of a trend where all kind of communication was made around the making of a film. It was also for the first time in the history of Indian cinema that a movie as well as a book on its making was released simultaneously.

On the other hand 'Devdas - The Indian Hamlet' was an attempt to discuss the origins of Devdasthrough looking at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's cinematic vision as well as reflecting back at the classic masterpiece by Sarat Chandra. The making of the book involved extensive research and brainstorming sessions with cast and crew of the film as well as keen followers of Indian cinema.

His third book 'SRK - Still Reading Khan' promised to cover everything about the actor who is fast gaining a legendary status. As qouted by Sheikh, "Shah Rukh Khan, the actor means a world to the cine-goers who have sworn undying love for him for more than a decade. It's his name, his persona, his magic, his sensitive side and his thick hide, which he wears as a survivor. His self-depreciating humor and his undeterred belief in himself and his journey from nowhere, into the hearts of every Indian is the fodder for the book."

http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/09/28/3076/index.html

Farah Khan on the real reason behind SRK's six-pack

Rajeev Masand / CNN-IBN
Published on Saturday , September 29, 2007 at 02:27 in Entertainment section

Despite only one film behind her, filmmaker Farah Khan is one of Bollywood's major players. Her new film Om Shanti Om starring Shah Rukh Khan will release during the Diwali weekend along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic opus Saawariya. The filmmaker tells CNN-IBN what to expect from her brand new film.

Rajeev Masand: The thing about your first film, and also about what we have seen of Om Shanti Om, is this sense of humour of yours which either people love it, or they just don't understand it. That's pretty much how Main Hoon Na was received in the beginning.

Farah Khan: Yes in the beginning. But on the whole a lot of people got it because it was a huge, huge commercial success. There are people without any sense of humour in life and they really like boring, dull, arty films. I would advise them then not to come see Om Shanti Om because it's just too much fun, it's too entertaining, it's got a great story and great songs.

You are just going to have a time of your life. So if that scares you, then you should just watch some Polish art film.

Rajeev Masand: Shah Rukh Khan and you share this mad sense of humour. Do you?

Farah Khan: Yes. I guess the reason Shah Rukh and I have been friends for so long is because we do have a common sense of humour which can get rather black at some times. I am not allowed to use that word.

We most of the time make fun of ourselves in our own films which I think is a great thing. People say they have a great sense of humour. But whenever the joke is on them, nobody really laughs. In that sense we are quite mad and the madness shows in our movies.

Rajeev Masand: You are possibly the only female director in this industry who is making such big films and delivering such successes. Main Hoon Na was a mammoth success. And Om Shanti Om is a big film. What is it that you have and the others don't?

Farah Khan: I think I have a sense of commercial cinema which may be the others tend to make niche films. But I don't say that just because they are women directors. There are a lot of men who make niche films. And a lot of men directors whose movies don't run. So in that sense the gender bias may not be right.

But because I am exception to the rule, and my movies don't talk about one sensitive issue, which only two per cent of the population can identify with. I think from A, B, C, D to overseas centre, I'm sure people are going to like Om Shanti Om as they loved Main Hoon Na.

Also I am not typical 'girlie girl' as one would say. I don't giggle, whimper or simper. I am outspoken, forthright and frank. They may not be the qualities girls have in India. But they should.

Rajeev Masand: You are not ever compared to Tanuja Chandra, Deepa Mehta, Meghna Gulzar. You are compared to Karan Johar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Farah Khan: You are not allowed to take that name Rajeev.

Rajeev Masand: Are you happy to be in the boys club?

Farah Khan: I don't think the boys really want me in their club. They get quite insecure. The boys at times can be patronising. A girls club is far more fun. I really don't want to be in a boys club.

But if you're saying I am successful director, and I get a lot of money to make films, the big stars would want to work in my film, and a lot of people would want to go and see my films, I think that's what excites me. Being in a boys club would be rather boring.

Rajeev Masand: This film on level is an inside look at Bollywood. It is a tribute to the 70ws. But it is also a tribute to Karz. A film within a film.

Farah Khan: Definitely an inside look on Bollywood. But I have tried not to keep too many inside jokes. So that the entire audience gets it. There is a lot of humour about Bollywood because for me the film industry is a rather mad, eccentric and a happy place to be in. So it shows in the movie I have made. But Karz is definitely one of my favourite films. I think it's Subhash Ghai's best film.

I don't know if he will agree because it wasn't one of his biggest hits. But it was far ahead of its time. and Rishi Kapoor was my all-time favourite. And I am so honoured that Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai are playing themselves in my film. In that sense it is a tribute. But it has nothing to do with Karz. May be the genre could be the same. But the storyline is completely different.

Rajeev Masand: Of course in your style.

Farah Khan: My style is completely different. It is a little madder and because the backdrop is Bollywood, you get to do so many things. 1970s Bollywood was completely mad. And we have done a take off in 2007. And Shah Rukh plays a huge star, which is why I made him work out and get a six-pack.

Today's generation of actors may not be able to act. But they have to have a six-pack. We are quite self-mocking ourselves in a light and sweet manner. It's not seedy, or sordid. And we are not looking down. This is a mad place to be in and really the best place to be in.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/farah-khan-on-the-real-reason-be hind-srks-sixpack/49568-8.html

Arjun Rampal turns director

N ANANDHI (Contributor)
26 September 2007

The actor plays the role of a filmmaker in Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear which would be his third film with Big B

FROM MODELLING to Bollywood, Arjun Rampal has completed a long journey. Effectively battling notions that models are wooden, Arjun has managed some good performances in films like Aankhen, Tehzeeb, Dil Hai Tumhara, Ek Ajnabee, and Don, among others. In an email interview, Arjun talks about his upcoming films The Last Lear and Om Shanti Om, his innings with Bollywood and more. Excerpts:

Tell us something about your upcoming films.

The Last Lear and Om Shanti Om are very different from each another The Last Lear moves towards serious parallel cinema, with a commercially successful cast. It's an English language film as opposed to Om Shanti Om, which is being marketed as the biggest Indian commercial film ever.

In The Last Lear, I play a filmmaker —a director who wants to cast in his film an ageing Shakespearean theatre actor, played by Amitabh Bachchan. The film is about different relationships and how the unification of the actor and director in the film takes over and changes everyone's life.

What was it like working with Rituparno Ghosh?

Ritu is one of the most intense directors I have worked with and the layers in each character are fascinatingly. He is fantastic at extracting good performances from his actors and I feel everyone who is part of The Last Lear feels special. The film was shown at the Toronto Film Festival a few weeks ago and was received extremely well. So some of the pressure is off.

And Om Shanti Om?

Om Shanti Om is a commercial potboiler with something for everyone. I think the toughest role I have done is that of Mukesh Mehra in Om Shanti Om because he is the coldest and meanest character I have played. He is eccentric, tricky and vicious and, trust me, I am none of these in my personal life. So it was hard for me initially. Then I got into my character and began having fun with it. Anyway as an actor, I think it is important to play different roles and it is rare that you get a chance to play a 30-year-old and then 65 in such a big commercial film. I am glad Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan thought of me for this role.

The Last Lear is your third appearance with Amitabh Bachchan?

Yes, Aankhen was the first. What can one say about him? He is a genius and definitely the best costar one can have. His performance in The Last Lear is like sheer poetry. I think we both have something special onscreen. I felt it when I saw Ek Ajnabee and now again with The Last Lear.

You were in the remake of Don. Which remake did you like better —Don or Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag?

I cannot comment, as I have not seen Aag. But the box office seems to have preferred Don.

Tell us about your role in Dus Kahaniyan.

I am not in Dus Kahaniyan anymore. I was supposed to do a story that was being directed by Sanjay Gupta but that didn't happen. So now we are doing a longer story together. But I have heard most of the stories and the film seems extremely promising.

You have a lot of multi-starrers to your credit but no solo projects. Why?

The time of single hero films is gone. Today, films are more character centric and therefore one has to be a part of a film and not the other way round when films were based around a particular star. Thank god for that otherwise we will never make good films.

You prefer action or romance?

Great action and a beautiful girl to romance. Can't refuse either. Would you?

You seem love doing the song-dance routine.

Yes, I do. Especially after the world tours. The encouragement I received out there from fans helped me lose my inhibitions. So a big thanks to my fans.

You are a lot into charity but few know about it.

I have hardly done that much. There is a lot more we all need to do. God has given me a good life and I feel we all must help in our own small ways, without getting pretentious or looking for your own benefits all the time.

You are not seen much in public. Why?

Not really. I do go to a lot of public places like a normal person. But yes, I don't like social events too much. That doesn't mean I am anti-social. I just avoid parties.

Your wife Mehr Jessia just got back into choreography. Is she coming back to the ramp?

My wife is a very talented person, and it would be a waste if she doesn't work. She has contributed greatly to fashion in this country and will continue to do so. It's just that she has been playing mom to our kids and now that they both are more settled, I am sure Mehr will be seen a lot more.

What after I See You?

Many more great stories and films.

You once said you wanted to make films that will be watched all over the world.

Yes I did, and I do believe I will do so someday.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/CityHome.asp?xfile=data/citytime s/2007/September/citytimes_September252.xml&section=city times&col=

Arjun Rampal is the villain in Om Shanti Om

29 Sep, 2007 12:03 pm IST l INDIATIMES MOVIES

Arjun Rampal's film career has never touched a peak nor has it failed in any sense. But now with Om Shanti Om looking great the actor is looking to make amends. Indiatimes Movies caught up with him as he talks about why he took up the role of Mukesh Mehra in OSO...

Are you playing a negative role in Om Shanti Om?

Yes, I'm playing a negative character whose name is Mukesh Mehra who happens to be a film producer.

What was it about the role that made you take it up immediately?

If I have to answer as to why I took up this role, it was because as an actor it is important that you crave to play different roles as far as possible. And when you get such a good opportunity to play someone so different and when you have someone like Farah Khan directing the film, I think it becomes very difficult to let go of such a golden opportunity. Also there was no resemblance of Arjun Rampal at all in Mukesh Mehra. I don't have any of his qualities. I also got to play someone who begins at the age of 25 years in the film and ends up at 65. So it was a different look that I got to play with and different expressions too.

Since you played the role of a producer were you in any way inspired from anyone in the industry?

I don't think any of the producers from Bollywood are like Mukesh Mehra. The fact is that Om Shanti Om is a larger than life film, with larger than life characters too. It is an exaggeration of lots of things and all these characters are make believe and not from real life. So I don't know anyone like Mukesh Mehra.

Om Shanti Om is a period film that tracks incidents form the 70's until 2007. So how difficult was it to make that transition in terms of looks?

Oh yes. To show the 70's was relatively easy because I already have long hair. I just had to work on the sideburns and the costumes of that time period. But I had to struggle to get the look of 2007. And as I had to look my character who was 65 by then, I had to sit through four to five hours of make-up everyday of the shoot. So my day used to start at five in the morning because I had to be ready on the sets by nine. I had to use a lot of make-up and look old. But I need to mention that the make-up artists did a wonderful job.

Arjun, what do you think of Shah Rukh's six pack abs?

Well I think it's great. It is remarkable that he has achieved what he has at his age with his body. I think he was very determined to get those six packs and he has done it. It's good to see him on the posters isn't it?

And what do you have to say about newcomer Deepika Padukone and Shreyas Talpade?

I think Deepika has done a fantastic job. Though she had the responsibility of playing the central character in the movie, she came out really good and she has great potential. Shreyas and me don't have that many scenes in the film where we are in the same frame. But from what I have observed of him and his earlier work in films, I think he has a very good future lying ahead of him.

So who do you think looks better, SRK prior to his six packs or SRK as of today?

I am sure Shah Rukh finds himself better like this. And I like him this way because anyone has to put in a lot of effort to work towards fitness and has to put in a lot of time for it as well. Hence anybody who says he does not want a good body or he does not want to look fit is lying.

http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2413963.cms


Shah Rukh is the winner

Apparently, the actor is going all out to promote his next film Om Shanti Om, to the extent that he has convinced the entire cast and crew to blog on the film's official site.

These days everyone is getting into blogging. After Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgan, it's now Shah Rukh's turn.

Apparently, the actor is going all out to promote his next film Om Shanti Om, to the extent that we hear he's convinced the entire cast and crew to blog on the film's official site.

Of course, we all know whose blog will be the biggest hit. No prizes for guessing the answer to that one!

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Shah_Rukh_is_t he_winner/articleshow/2414205.cms


Celebrating the movies

By: Shradha Sukumaran
September 30, 2007

FARAH KHAN, director/ choreographer: My all-time favourite song was Dum Maro Dum. I know my 70s cinema really well, but I can't beat Sajid with 80s movies.

Farah Khan first visited a set as a two-year-old and her new film Om Shanti Om is a movie about the movies

My first time on a set must have been when I was two years old. As a baby, I started going on my father's sets. I'd been to outdoors like Khandala — I have pictures of myself as a baby on these shoots and at recording studios.

For us kids, I think the oily khana and fruit custard that we got on sets was lovely. It's always been a happy place for me. Even now when I go on shoot, my nausea stops, so I think my babies are going to enjoy movies as much.

At home, I'm throwing up all day. On the sets, I'm fine. So when I finally did my first film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, it wasn't an alien environment.

"I have a disease. After nine o'clock, if I go for a movie, I invariably pass out. There's a reason for that — when Sajid and I were growing up, we were living in a one room apartment. So we both had to sleep in the hall.

He's an insomniac who'd watch movies till 5:30 am. So I think my body and brain got conditioned to going to sleep with a loud fight sequence going on. I have to have a movie on when I sleep.

"When I was young, I wanted to be a teacher because I thought they were having all the fun! But even then, I used to dance on stage; mostly to Michael Jackson or Helen songs.

My all-time favourite was Dum Maro Dum. I know my 70s cinema really well, but I can't beat Sajid with 80s movies. Sajid really loves bad cinema — he was mad about Jeetendra and knows every Madras song. At 21, I decided I wanted to be a director.

Finally there was some focus, but I didn't know how to go about it. I was just lucky I met Mansoor (Khan), decided to assist him and then turn choreographer. I couldn't afford to go to FTII for three years.


'You can't control the outcome of the film, but the 100 days I shoot, I'm happiest'
"I enjoy the process of making movies. You can't control the outcome of the film, but the hundred days I shoot, I'm happiest. My dad also believed in having a lot of fun on the sets.

He used to make these Dara Singh, swashbuckling B-grade action films. In those times, everyone used to bond. They used to have picnics and there was a party at my house every weekend.

"Of course, this was before things took a turn for the worse. I've really seen the bad side of the industry — then not even a crow comes to visit you. We were fascinated at parties when Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra dropped in and then one fine day, not even the assistant directors bothered. You see both the sides and you're prepared for it. You don't end up taking success too seriously. You know it can go someday.

"Om Shanti Om shows Bollywood at its happiest. We show Shah Rukh as a junior artiste in the 70s but it isn't some tragedy. It's funny. His mother wanted to be a heroine, but couldn't because she was a ham.

They're really a family of bad actors. They're a happy lot. It's Bollywood and I love it. We have 45 cameos, including directors and stars. I don't see myself retiring for another 20 years. Imagine, I got Deepika Padukone to dance with Sunil Dutt, Jeetendra and Rajesh Khanna. I'm having too much fun."

Director/choreographer Farah Khan's movie madness Om Shanti Om releases this Diwali

— As told to Shradha Sukumaran

http://www.mid-day.com/smd/play/2007/september//164772.htm


OSO stars on Sa Re Ga Ma…

Om Shanti Om director Farah Khan and stars Deepika Padukone and Shreyas Talpade (Shah Rukh Khan was in SA watching the T20 World Cup final) visited the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa sets this week to promote their film.

Speaking about the film, Farah told us, "The subject of the film is very strong. I agree that even before this many people have dealt with reincarnation but none of them used it properly. Karan-Arjun was good and I even liked Subhash Ghai's Karz."

Farah does not believe in rebirth but adds," There are instances in everyone's life, that make people believe in such things. Though OSO is based on reincarnation, it is not at all inspired by any film."
What's with you and number 9?

"I was born on 9th January, I got married on 9th December and my film is releasing on 9th November. Even though I do not believe in numerology most of the good things in my life have happened on the 9th."

Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone, who is making a dream debut opposite SRK, says she watches the show because of Vishal and Shekhar who are the music directors of OSO and Himesh, who actually gave her a break in his music video."

About her role and costume Deepika says: "I think I can carry off that 70s actresses look nicely. I liked the costume which I wore in the club song, which has feathers and all. I think that is the second highlight of the film apart from Shah Rukh's six pack abs. We all are missing him here. But I am happy that he is in Johannesburg and because he wore the OSO t-shirt, India won the match."

Deepika considers herself very lucky to have got a chance to enter the industry through such a huge platform. "I will be sharing screen space with almost every actor in the industry in the special dance sequence which has the late Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra among others."

The Sa Re Ga Ma episode featuring the OSO cast will be aired on Saturday. OSO is releasing on November 9.

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2007/September/ News_20070925_245

Aap ki farmaish

Meanwhile, the Om Shanti Om special to be telecast simultaneously on Zee features Shreyas Talpade, Deepika Padukone and director Farah Khan. Shah Rukh Khan couldn't appear on the show because he is contract-bound with Star. "But he sent a list of requests to be performed. Those will be featured in the second half of the show. During the first half, we'll have the contestants singing Om Shanti Om tracks, since two of our judges (Vishal and Shekhar) are also the music directors of the film," informs Payaol Patel of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

mid-day epaper


Sa Re… contestants bowled over by King Khan

Shah Rukh Khan could not make it to the Sa Re… sets with the OSO team to promote the film as he was in South Africa watching India's historic T20 triumph. However, on Wednesday (September 26) the contestants of the show went to meet him during one of his ad shoots in a Mumbai studio.

Aneek, who couldn't believe his eyes, says, "It still feels like a dream. He is very down to earth. He told me 'beta you are a good singer. I saw your chatur naar performance when I was in Dubai and you were simply brilliant'. He treated us with great warmth and even offered us food and drinks. The most amazing part of the visit was that we were following him and all the girls there were following us!"

An overwhelmed Aneek goes on to add, "He told us that you have become international figures but keep in mind that talent does not have gradation or competition - niyat saaf ho toh manzil aasan hoti hai. He wrote down his best wishes in our diaries. I am going to request him to come for the finals."

There are four contestants remaining in the show and the finals will take place between three of them. Raja Hasan, Aneek Dhar, Amanat Ali and Poonam Yadav are the four contestants left in the show.

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2007/September/ News_20070927_274


Butts and abs

BHARATHI S. PRADHAN

There's a rumour going around that the RK banner's next big hope, Ranbir Kapoor has been bold enough to drop his underpants in his debut film, Saawariya. Apart from prancing around in a see-through white towel (how RK-ish, remember all those RK heroines wet and white?) there's an unconfirmed buzz that Sanjay Leela Bhansali shot a flash of Ranbir's bare butt where the towel drops off. The animated but muffled discussion is, will that shot be retained by SLB or snipped by the censors? If it doesn't make it to the final cut, we'll never know for sure if it was shot in the first place since everything about SLB's film is so hush-hush.

One might find Om Shanti Om, the competitor to Saawariya at the box-office this Diwali, vastly different in its approach; everything about OSO seems so open and amiable. For one, everybody knows that it has a whiff of Karz in it — reincarnation and revenge being its two basic points. One also knows that Shah Rukh Khan plays Om, the flop junior artiste of the 70s while Deepika is Shanti, the No. 1 actress of that period. In his reincarnation, Shah Rukh is Om Kapoor, a super star in this birth. And so, Om Shanti Om has the backdrop of the Hindi film industry, with several other stars putting in guest appearances. For an awards function scene, director Farah Khan has shot the usual star attendance and even got a byte from a star wife like Bhavna Chunky Panday!

OSO also has a new heroine and, unlike Saawariya's Sonam Kapoor who was forbidden to show her face before SLB gave the green signal, Shah Rukh's co-star Deepika Padukone's celebrity face was too well-known to be kept in purdah.

Of course, Shah Rukh Khan's six-pack abs have also been much flaunted and discussed, making Om Shanti Om seem like an open book where everybody knows everything about it. But the truth is, while Sanjay Leela Bhansali went paranoid with his need for secrecy, Shah Rukh and Farah Khan have been equally secretive about their film. Only, they've been clever enough to share all the trimmings (the reincarnation, their new heroine, SRK's shirtless Dard-e-disco et al) with the public while quietly retaining the essential story of the film. While SLB is obviously holding on to his film and orchestrating every little squeak that is heard about Saawariya, Shah Rukh and Farah Khan have been equally possessive about their film but have done it with such fantastic marketing skills that you don't even realise that you don't really know too much about the core story of Om Shanti Om!

Besides, if you've noticed, there have been practically no interviews with Deepika Padukone because SRK has quietly instructed her to route all media meetings through the official PRO of Om Shanti Om. Therefore, while SLB is obviously pulling the strings and making all the decisions regarding his fresh new actors and their interaction with the world outside, producer Shah Rukh Khan and his director Farah Khan have been taking the same route. Only, they're so friendly and fun-loving and Bhansali is so brusque and bristly that one tends to put them both in vastly different categories. However, on close inspection, both Saawariya and Om Shanti Om are ultimately playing their (ace) cards close to their chest, to be revealed with a flourish only when the card tables are out this Diwali.

Whatever the marketing approach may be, with Ranbir Kapoor's butt and bodyshow versus Shah Rukh Khan's shirtless abs, the box-office this festive season will have fireworks for sure.

Meanwhile, a little bird twitters that Shah Rukh's wife Gauri Khan has turned media-allergic to the point where she has instructed all her close friends — Seema Sohail Khan, Neelam Kothare, Maheep Sanjay Kapoor etc — not to invite her to any event or fashion show that they might organise. She won't attend even a close friend's bash if it's going to get media coverage. To show that she means business, she also turned down Karan Johar's request to feature on his show, Koffee With Karan, when he telecast its second season. Gauri may now join the bench where her husband's arch rival AjayDevgan sits, for Kajol's hubby was the first celebrity who put his foot down and refused to go on Karan's show!

Bharathi S. Pradhan is managing editor of Movie Mag International

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070930/asp/7days/story_837794 9.asp


Want to win Shah Rukh's hamper?

23 Sep 2007, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

Actors maybe crazy about winning Karan Johar's coffee hamper, but now they can win something similar from Shah Rukh Khan.

Apparently, the King Khan played perfect host (read Producer) on the sets of Om Shanti Om.

And every actor who has been a part of the film — however small the role — has left the sets with a special note written personally by Shah Rukh, thanking them for making his film so very special, and a goodie bag.

Now that's quite a generous 'sign off!'

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Want_to_win_Sh ah_Rukhs_hamper/articleshow/2392861.cms


SRK expresses gratitude with special gift hamper

Shah Rukh Khan gifted a special hamper to all the 40 Bollywood actors who have been a part of his home production, Om Shanti Om. He personally chose special items to be packed in this gift basket that resembled close pal, Karan Johar's television show, Koffee With Karan's coveted gift hamper.

A source close to the superstar told us, "SRK had personally requested most of the 40 stars (including filmmakers like Subhash Ghai, Rakesh Roshan) to play themselves in Om Shanti Om. Since they obliged and did not even charge a single penny for their services, SRK decided to repay them back for their gracious gesture with a special memento."

Om Shanti Om PR, Niloufer Qureshi confirming this news stated, "Yes it is true that Shah Rukh designed a special basket which included the latest Nokia handset, a Tag Heuer watch, a gold coin, Om Shanti Om CDs and T shirts and a personal letter signed by Farah and him."

"Out of the 40 stars, 30 (including Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan and Salman Khan) have participated in a song that's on the lines of Manmohan Desai's Naseeb (1981) song number that showed a Bollywood filmy party with many top line biggies (Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Raj Kapoor etc) of that time playing themselves as guests invited for the party. The rest 10 that include stars like Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar are there in the film during various scenes. Since SRK plays a Bollywood star of today's times in the film, he wanted to add a real feel by roping in all the big names of today. He was thrilled by the enthusiastic response by all," our source further adds.

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2007/October/Ne ws_20071001_3

Deepika goes house hunting

The Om Shanti Om actress is looking for a two-bedroom apartment in Bandra

By: Upala KBR

Ghar ki talash: Deepika Padukone

Om Shanti Om's 22-year-old actress Deepika Padukone is all set to buy a flat in the hip locality of Bandra. The actress has just returned from New York and says, "I'm hunting for a flat in Bandra, as it's easier to commute to the suburbs from there."

Currently, Deepika is slumming it out in rented digs in Bandra. "The reason for shifting is not just a bigger place, but also something to call home. I've been living in a rented apartment for the last two years, so I think it's high time I buy my own place," she says.

Deepika says she'll design the space along with a professional designer's help. "I've always been interested in interiors, and whenever I flip through magazines and like some interesting furniture or designs I keep the idea in mind. However, I will appoint an interior designer as it's easier. I will be travelling a lot and won't have time to do it on my own," she says.

Good response

Talking about her debut film, Deepika says she's very happy with the response to Om Shanti Om. "I had gone for the Chivas Regal launch to New York with Karan Johar and Raghavendra Rathore and was proud to represent my country there. OSO has got the attention of the West and the response has been great."

Is she nervous about Saawariya and the other two debutants, Ranbir and Sonam Kapoor? "I am not nervous at all. Both films are of completely different genres and Farah Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are both fantastic in their own fields," she says.

Mid-Day


Were Vishal-Shekhar inspired by Wong Kar Wai?

Their Main agar kahoon track from Om Shanti Om sounds similar to the theme of In the Mood for Love

By: Tushar Joshi

Music directors Vishal-Shekhar are riding high on the popularity of Om Shanti Om's soundtrack. However, a source working with the duo reveals that not everything they've done is original. Apparently, some beats from the theme song of film legend Wong Kar Wai's classic In the Mood for Love has been incorporated in the Main agar kahoon track from OSO.

No inspiration

After hearing the original piece from Wong Kar Wai's film, we realised that common element between Vishal-Shekhar's composition and In the Mood for Love. When asked if the Oriental film was indeed a source of inspiration, Shekhar says, "This is the first time someone has told me about the film. I haven't heard the score of Wong Kar Wai's film. There is no inspiration whatsoever for any of the Om Shanti Om tracks. Each and every song is an original composition straight from the heart."

Stressing that there was no need to draw any inspiration from other works, Shekhar adds, "We have worked really hard on the OSO soundtrack, so if anyone says it's been lifted or inspired that person is delusional. The response to OSO has been huge and I'm happy that people are enjoying the songs. When we released Ajab Si, it became an instant hit and now Dard-e-disco is being played in every club and radio station."

Has he heard the music of his rival film Saawariya? "Yes, I like it. It's mild and soothing. It's a really fresh album."

Decide yourself

To figure out if there are similarities between the two, log on to www.youtube.com and listen to the theme of In the Mood for Love and Main agar Kahoon from Om Shanti Om. Tell us what you think by writing to hitlist@mid-day.com.

http://epapers2.mid-day.com/midday/scripts/epaper/epapermain .aspx?queryed=9&eddate=10/4/2007


Farah can say the meanest things: Karan Johar

Jotica Sehgal / CNN-IBN

Published on Thursday , October 04, 2007 at 00:44 in Entertainment section

Filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Deepika Padukone were in New York for an event but it seems they never get tired of talking about their movies and Shah Rukh Khan. In an exclusive chat the duo tell CNN-IBN all that is buzzing about Om Shanti Om.

CNN-IBN: We have heard horrid stories about people who work with Farah Khan. Tell us how is she to work with.

Deepika Padukone: This is absolutely untrue. She is wonderful to work with especially for me being a newcomer she was extremely patient with me. She took very good care of me and has just been lovely. She is fantastic to work with.

Karan Johar: I don't have my lie-o-meter sorry (laughs). I would have beeped a while ago. No, no, we are just joking. See you need to know Farah and Deepika will vouch for that. Anything she says you will have to take with a pinch of salt. She is hugely entertaining, give her a mike and she can entertain you completely. Even when she is screaming at you, one wants to laugh.

Even if she is saying something mean and nasty, she does not mean it. She is just being herself and once you realise it you would love her for it. All her dancers absolutely adore her. She sometimes says the meanest things but doesn't mean them at all.

Deepika Padukone: She never means to hurt anyone.

CNN-IBN: A lot is being said about Shah Rukh's six-pack abs. Do you miss being a part of that song?

Deepika Padukone: Well for me I was a part of that song because I was there all those six days while they were shooting for that song. Farah called me specially to see the way they were shooting that song. Also, so that I could see how SRK had worked on his body. Six months before the shoot, all of us would be eating biryani and chocolates while Shah Rukh would be eating his boiled vegetables. So, it was nice to see how the hard work paid off.

CNN-IBN: A lot is being written about Deepika and Ranbir. Are you still on talking terms after the rumours spread?

Deepika Padukone: I am friends with him like I am with everyone else and I don't see why it's given so much importance.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/farah-can-say-the-meanest-things -karan-johar/49856-8.html


OH, SO you're going to walk too, SRK?

By: Upala KBR
October 3, 2007

Shah Rukh Khan, along with Om Shanti Om co-stars Deepika Padukone, Shreyas Talpade and Arjun Rampal, will soon be walking the ramp for a fashion show displaying costumes worn in the film.

Says director Farah Khan, "It's a tie-up with Shopper's Stop. On October 9, Shah Rukh, Deepika and the other stars will walk the ramp at a show at the Grand Hyatt wearing costumes from OSO. Shopper's Stop will also launch an OSO clothesline based on the film's unique look."

Farah informs that two lines will be launched. "One will be a retro line inspired by the vintage costumes, while the other will be a contemporary line. Apart from being affordable, both lines are extremely trendy. Shah Rukh will wear the modern line on the ramp, while Deepika will wear retro outfits from the film. Arjun (Rampal) plays a producer in OSO, so his clothes are formal suits and leather jackets, similar to what Vinod Khanna used to wear back then. Shreyas wears shirts with pop art and stretched fabric!" she says.

Farah has got into brand merchandising with OSO in a big way. She says, "Brands like Maybelline have joined in to produce a line of make-up based on Deepika's look (she's also the company's brand ambassador) and Sia for jewellery."

Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar and Sanjiv Mulchandani have done the film's look and styling.

As for herself, "I won't be sashaying down the ramp, Unless you want me to do the elephant walk!" she jokes, referring to her growing baby bump.
Talking about SRK, she says he's walked the ramp only once before for a fashion show in Delhi. "He was shy about doing it, but since it's a professional tie-up he agreed to do it," she says.

Govinda Srikhande, CEO, Shopper's Stop says, "Being market leaders and innovators in retail, Shopper's Stop has set many trends in the past. This unique association with OSO will surely set a new trend."

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2007/october/164929.htm


Bollywood pins its hopes on Nov 9

Aminah Sheikh / Mumbai October 04, 2007

Two blockbusters will determine the underperforming industry's fate.

Bollywood is betting on the battle between Sony Pictures and Eros International as they get ready to release their mega Bollywood films, Saawariya and Om Shanti Om, respectively, on November 9.

In a year in which blockbusters have been scarce, the industry is expecting the two films to rake in over Rs 180 crore from the domestic box office alone — 25 to 30 per cent of expected full-year collections from big-banner Bollywood films this year.

"Their success will determine the financial health of Bollywood this year," said film analyst Taran Adarsh.

Box office collections till date have been around Rs 350 crore. This year's hits include Abhishek Bachchan's Guru (which made Rs 40 crore), Salman Khan and Govinda starrer Partner (Rs 60 crore) and Heyy Babyy with trio Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan and Riteish Deshmukh (Rs 45-50 crore).

Eros International hopes to cash in on Shah Rukh's popularity and the debut of badminton star Prakash Padukone's daughter Deepika by almost doubling the price for distribution rights.

Eros acquired the movie from Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chilies Entertainment, for Rs 74 crore. The movie had a production budget of Rs 40 crore.

Eros, which declined to comment, has sold the rights for Mumbai territory (which excludes Mumbai but covers other parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, including Saurashtra) for around Rs 9 crore to Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd, against an average price of Rs 5 crore.

It is believed to have sold the West Bengal region to Inox for nearly Rs 1.5 crore (average prices here are between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore) and is talking with individual distributors of other territories.

The battle between the two production houses is also moving towards grabbing as many of the country's 800 single screens as possible, since most multiplexes will screen both movies.

Eros International recently announced that it would release the film across more than 2,000 screens worldwide but refused to specify the India numbers.

A Sony Pictures executive said it was looking at releasing its film in at least half of the total single screens in the country. The company has already booked almost 30 per cent of single screens.

A single screen is booked by a production house on a "theatre hire basis". Under this arrangement, a production company pays the theatre owner around 20 per cent of the cinema hall's capacity.

Thereafter, revenues earned through ticket sales go entirely to the production house. Single-screen revenues account for almost 60 per cent of box office collections.

http://www.businessstandard.com/common/storypage_c.php?leftn m=10&autono=300248



Ahmedabad dances to the DED challenge

http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/49971/ahmedabad-rocks-to-the-t une-of-dardedisco.html

'Om Shanti Om's music will be a hit'

October 05, 2007 16:20 IST
Last Updated: October 05, 2007 17:37 IST

Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjani, better known as Vishal-Shekar, are one of the best music composers today.

The duo were friends even before they started working. After their big hit, Pyaar Main Kabhi Kabhi, there was no looking back. The duo have a string of hits like Taxi No 9211, Salaam Namaste [Images], Shabd, Karam and Ta Ra Rum Pum [Images]. They have also composed some of the songs for the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om.

Rajul Hegde caught up with the busy duo on the sets of the music reality show Zee SaReGaMaPa Challenge at Mumbai's Famous Studio which they are judging.

In between, Raja -- one of the finalists on the show -- enters the room, and asks the duo for some singing tips. The interview has hardly begun when another finalist, Aneek, comes in, and discusses pitch problems.

While the entire nation looks up to the three finalists, which also includes Amanat Ali, they trio look up to Vishal-Shekar for help and advice.

"Being mentors was a learning experience for us because we learn from them as much they learn from us," Vishal says. "They are new and refreshing, untouched by the business. Proper guidance can really mould them.

A still from Om Shanti Om"Honestly, winning the contest is irrelevant. These kids are talented singers and will definitely make it big in their own way," he adds. "But they lack one fundamental thing -- experience -- which they will gain with time."

Asked whether reality shows help them judge a good singer, the duo quickly say, "Yes, all Bollywood songs are not empty, we make them sing in various styles -- from old to extremely modern."

"We were friends before we starting working together," Vishal says, talking about themselves. "We were into our respective family business. I was and still am with the rock band Pentagram. We do music for pleasure. It comes straight from the heart. We hope people love it as much as we do. Actually, Woh Pehli Baar is a song which I wrote for my wife but it became a hit when it was used in a film."

Shekar picks up a red shirt from a rack and asks Vishal whether he is supposed to wear that shirt for the shoot. "Wear a white cap and carry a picnic basket in your hand," Vishal chuckles.

Shekar then notices to his dismay that the sofa is of the same colour as the shirt, and wonders aloud whether they are of the same material.

After a few moments, he gets serious and says, "We had worked with Farah (Khan) for some ads. So she knew our work. She is the coolest director we have worked with. She knows exactly what she wants and she listens to music like an expert."

A still from Om Shanti Om.As for the star of OSO, Shah Rukh Khan [Images], Shekar says the actor is a great producer, very encouraging and loves to listen to music.

Asked if the presence of the stars and director of Om Shanti Om on the SaReGaMaPa show recently was a publicity gimmick, Vishal says, "For the entire team of OSO to be on SaReGaMaPa was a big thing. There was so much positive energy and you could see the audiences' reaction when Raja, Aneek and Amanat performed. The song which Amanat sang -- Ajab si -- was an instant hit. Dard-e-disco is already becoming a hit and played on all the radio stations and night clubs."

Shekar cannot stop praising one of the show's judges, Himesh Reshammiya [Images]. "Himesh is a great guy. He is lucky and hardworking," he says. "It has been a great year for him and whatever he has touched has been successful. Even he said that Om Shanti Om's music and the film will be a hit. And I trust him."

As for Vishal, he predicts that the OSO's debutante Deepika Padukone [Images] is going to be huge star. "She is a chilled out person and I would love to take an autograph from Deepika's father (Prakash Padukone, the badminton legend). He is one of the few sports stars India has."

Besides OSO, the duo have their hands full with Yash Raj Films' Tashan, Siddharth Anand's film, Karan Johar's [Images] next, Sujoy Ghosh's Aladdin and Ravi Chopra's Boothnath.

They will also release an album with Abhishek Bachchan [Images], which Vishal says 'was completely Abhishek's idea.' He adds, "We have recorded six songs; the rest will be recorded when Abhishek is free."

It was reported recently that lyricist Javed Akthar was upset with one of his songs in Om Shanti Om, which was not used. Vishal clears the air, saying, "We share a cordial relationship and have worked on many corporate tracks. We have great respect for him. Everything is blown out of proportion by the media."

http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/05oso.htm


'I know you will poke fun at me!'

By: Upala KBR
October 2, 2007

Anil Kapoor refused to participate in a song for Om Shanti Om because he was scared Farah Khan would take a dig at him

Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om is one of the hottest and most anticipated films this year, but not everyone has been taken in by it.

After John Abraham, Bipasha Basu and Sridevi didn't have the dates to appear in a mammoth song featuring the who's who of B-Town, we hear Aamir Khan and Anil Kapoor too rejected the offer.

Says Farah, "One day, Anil dropped by the set at Film City and I asked him if he would appear in the special song. He laughed and refused, saying he feared we (Shah Rukh and her) would poke fun of him. But then Anil is like that. He always thinks I will make fun of him!"

Farah says Anil and she go back a long way. "I'm very fond of him. In fact, I called him to say how lovely his daughter Sonam is looking in the promos of Saawariya. He has a great sense of humour and cracks fantastic jokes. Even if I make fun of something, he always takes it in the right spirit," says the Om Shanti Om director.

Farah says she met Kapoor while choreographing 1942: A Love Story, and they've been firm friends since. "In fact, the day he dropped by my set, he had come to show me Gandhi – My Father. I wanted him to play himself in the song along with Sridevi, as they are related and have done some great films together."

Farah says she burst out laughing when Anil gave his reasons for refusing the special song. "I do make fun of Anil, but then I do it with everybody else too.

When I told him he was being silly, and that I couldn't poke fun at him since he was my guest, he said, 'I know you too well! You will do something, I'm sure!'"

Meanwhile, John and Bipasha couldn't appear in the song as they were shooting in London for Goal. Says Farah, "However, Bipasha does make an appearance in the Filmfare sequence.

All these things will be carried in the book, The Making of Om Shanti Om, written by Mushtaq Shiekh."

However, Farah's biggest disappointed was when Aamir Khan said no. "I wanted to create history by bringing Shah Rukh, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir together on screen, but Aamir was shooting for Ghajini.

All five of them together would have been a huge high for their fans, but Aamir was very sweet about it. I was very disappointed, but the scenes with Shah Rukh, Saif, Sanju and Salman have turned out rocking, so I'm not that sad!"

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2007/october/164877.htm


'Shahrukh and I enjoyed bugging Farah'

Wednesday, October 03, 2007 23:59 IST
Shilpa Jamkhandikar

Shreyas Talpade shares his bonding with King Khan during the making of 'Om Shanti Om'

Shahrukh 'King' Khan is notorious for landing up hours late for shoots, but for a day during the shoot of 'Om Shanti Om' ('OSO'), he actually deigned to come earlier than required. If anyone should take credit for this unprecedented act, it is Shreyas Talpade, who also stars in the film.

"Actually, I had an early morning flight to Bangkok, and we had a whole night's shooting schedule ahead. Just as I was fretting over how I would make it on time to the airport, both Shah Rukh and Farah Khan (director) came over to me. SRK assured me than he would come earlier than planned, and wrap up the shooting early, so that I could make it," Shreyas says.

"It was so nice of him to be so considerate. He and Farah even helped me decide, which spots I should take my wife to in Bangkok," he beams. When asked about Farah's alleged dictatorial ways on the sets, Shreyas laughs it off, saying "Farah used to get angry and frazzled. But honestly, she looked so cute when she was angry that Shah Rukh and I enjoyed bugging her just to see her fly into a rage."

So, now that he has moved on to bigger films, does he consider himself in the big league? Shreyas is modest when he says, "Well, maybe the film is in the big league, but as for me, I will only be satisfied when there is a positive reaction from the audiences to the film."

"Working on 'OSO' was an experience of a lifetime. Farah was really good as a director. She has every thing so clear in her head that it makes work so much easier for us as actors," elaborates Shreyas.

From working in small-budget Marathi films and plays to a role in one of the biggest films of the year, life has sure has taken him places, but was any of this planned? "No way, whatever I have planned so far has never materialised. All this has happened to me by sheer chance. Right from 'Iqbal', 'Apna Sapna Money Money' and 'Dor', to 'OSO', I took each role as it came, and hoped for the best."

Speaking of 'Iqbal', how come he is not starring in mentor Nagesh Kukunoor's next films, 'Aashayein' and 'Tasveer'? "For both the films, he required heroes who looked a little older. I was not suitable for the look. He explained it to me. And don't forget, I am a part of his third project, 'Bombay to Bangkok'."

For someone who never planned any of this, things sure have happened thick and fast for Shreyas!

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1125244


Musical wars: OSO vs Saawariya

Our take on which film's track scores over the other and precisely why
Abhishek Mande | Buzz18

Last updated : Oct 04, 2007 email

For the last month or so, Bollywood and its observers have been divided into two camps – Saawariya and Om Shanti Om. Conversations at press meets and interviews invariably drift towards the one question: Saawariya or Om Shanti Om? Frankly, its difficult to say what will work and what won't. But going purely by the music, one would firmly stand behind the Farah Khan flick.

Traditionally, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films have scored really high on their music. So much so Black, which didn't have any songs earned a lot of accolades for its background score (Monty). But somehow one cannot say the same about the music of Saawariya. Or maybe we have had so much of the 'Bhansali brand' of music that we simply cannot handle any more of it.

After listening to Saawariya's tracks one gets the feeling that somehow it takes itself a little too seriously. Then again, parts of certain songs (Sawar Gayi, and Pari for instance) are oh-so-reminiscent of older Bhansali film tunes. Comparisons are odious but listen to Black, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam... even Devdas for that matter. And some somehow one can't help feeling that the magic in this one is missing.

It is very interesting in a sense that Saawariya should be pitted against Om Shanti Om. Because OSO is an album that seemingly laughs at itself and the industry it is a part of. It borrows on tradition and then very cheekily takes pot shots at it. The music is irreverent and completely tongue-in-cheek, taking a dig at everyone passing by. It laughs at melodrama, hamming… basically everything that Bollywood has stood for. And Saawariya, with its opulence, in a sense celebrates these very things.

Take a look at the Saawariya album cover and at the bottom right one finds the credits: Words – Sameer. The grandiose somehow gets to you even before you start listening to the music. Let's face it, we are not talking of a classical music album here. It's mainstream masala Bollywood for god's sake! And the 'words' by the way leave a lot to be desired. On the other hand give us a Daastan-E-Om Shanti Om with its inane lyrics any time of the day and we'll dance to its tunes.

The place where Saawariya scores over Om Shanti Om, however is in its music arrangement. But then again, it's possibly the plot and theme of the film that gives the music director the scope.

Listen to these two albums back-to-back and chances are that your heart would go out to Om Shanti Om. It's fun, it's cheeky and it makes for a far more delightful listening as against Saawariya.

http://www.buzz18.com/features/music/musical-wars-oso-vs-saa wariya/19591/0

Shah Rukh plays double role in 'Om Shanti Om'

IANS
Sunday, October 07, 2007 10:24 IST

MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan plays a double role in Farah Khan's eagerly awaited "Om Shanti Om" and takes pot shots at many Bollywood stalwarts of the past, including Manoj Kumar, a source closely involved with film said.

King Khan plays Om, a struggling junior artiste in the 1970s, who is bumped off by a jealous hero played by Arjun Rampal.

While the theme of reincarnation and revenge is a direct tribute to Subhash Ghai's "Karz", there are several passages in the film where the biggies of the 1970s are targeted.

Apparently one of the primary targets of satire is Manoj Kumar, the man who wrote and re-wrote a considerable amount of the grammar and glamour of commercial Hindi cinema.

"But all in good faith. There's no malice intended in the satire. Shah Rukh and Farah are counting on the belief that people in the film industry have a sense of humour," the source said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1126005


'Deewangi' to be out on Id

Wait to be over - OSO's 'Deewangee' to be out on Id
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Ever since the promotion of OM SHANTI OM began, all eyes were set on one song - 'Deewangee'. Clearly the best of the lot that Vishal-Shekhar have to offer in their soundtrack for this Farah Khan film, the song was much anticipated, also due to the presence of 31 stars in it.

Come 'Id' and the song would finally be all over the music channels with the teasers already making a round in the internet world. Just on hearing the audio, one got hooked to the song. A sure shot chartbuster which could well have been the opening number for the film's promotion, 'Deewangi Deewangi' is what qualifies as a trademark number which could have been lapped up by Yash Raj Films or Dharma Productions.

Singers like Shaan, Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahul Saxena (heard in Indian Idol) ensure that there is not a single dull moment in this instant-attention-grabbing track.

Boasting of the innocence in melody that was witnessed in the 70s and now presented in the 21st century 'avtar' with a fusion of 'qawalli', 'bhangra' and western arrangements, 'Deewangi Deewangi' that also incorporates the sound of 'Om Shanti Om', is all set to lit up the screen when it is played.

The song also appears in a remix version which is termed as 'Rainbow Mix'. The other songs which have already been aired across all channels and have found instant appreciation are the love song 'Aankhon Mein Teri', dance number 'Dard-E-Disco' and the romantic 'Main Agar Kahoon' where Shahrukh Khan serenades Deepika Padukone.

http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07/oct/06_om_shanti_om _shahrukh_khan_100707.asp


I'd like two boys and a girl'

Farah Khan has a film and three kids to deliver. She's going about both energetically

Posted On Sunday, October 07, 2007

You catch Farah Khan doing just what the doctor ordered - lying flat on a couch. But that's only for a change, for normally, though four months pregnant with triplets, she's busy running around completing post-production work for her second film, Om Shanti Om.

"Oh no, my doctor's going to read this," she grins. "Anyway, she sees me on TV all the time and panics. I don't think I'll be allowed to attend the premiere of my film either. How can I lie still in one place all the time? Besides, I think positive. I feel my kids will be fine, regardless of my activities."

That's Farah, in a nutshell. She has a film and three kids to deliver. And she wants to go about both energetically. To hell with mollycoddling herself. "I'd like two boys and a girl," she adds. Knowing her, she'll get her way.

"I'll have another cup of tea while we talk," she says. "Tea is okay for me, right? I don't have anyone to ask these things."

Tea is okay, coffee isn't. "I know, and then I have a huge craving for Pepsi," she says. "But I add a lot of ice to it and have one bottle over days, in short sips."

• Did the news of triplets come as a pleasant surprise?

Yes. At 40, I didn't know whether I'd have even one kid. At 43, I'm going to have three. It's not something that I was dying for, but now that I'm expecting, I like the idea. For Shirish (Kunder, her husband, maker of Jaan-E-Man), who's an introvert, the idea of having a big family is even more important.

• Was it Shirish who wanted kids, then?

Yeah, he told me right at the outset that I should see him only if I were ready to get married and have kids. He asked me not to do 'time-pass' with him. Left to myself, I'd have happily settled for just such a time-pass relationship.

• How does he handle a high profile wife, who always speaks her mind and has Shah Rukh Khan for her best friend?

He doesn't care. He doesn't talk much because he doesn't feel the need to express his opinions, that's all. Also, being eight years younger to me, he comes from a more irreverent generation. I'm the conservative, sometimes I get shocked at the amount of money he asks for his work. But he goes ahead and gets these huge amounts.

• Have you both thought of working together, as in making a film together?

No thanks. Shirish would kill me if we worked together. His vision is completely different from mine, and he's so dominating. We almost killed each other when I choreographed for him for Jaan-E-Man.

• Are you shopping for the kids?

I'm not allowed to go shopping. Kids apart, I need maternity clothes for myself too. Karan (Johar) is doing that for me. He travels a lot, and travels with my list. Recently he called me from London, saying that he couldn't believe he was standing in the lingerie department of Marks & Spencer, buying maternity bras for me!

• Isn't Shirish shopping?

I've told Shirish to hang on, otherwise he'll go berserk, shopping. And he hasn't the faintest idea of what to get. He's buying things like computers, etc - for the kids.

• That's an exaggeration.

It isn't! The other day, he actually bought a keyboard for the kids. I'm trying to tell him that the kids are going to be very small for a while!

• How excited is your brother Sajid?

Sajid is now too excited about the success of his film, Heyy Babyy, to think or talk of anything else.

• Are you ready for the changes that the kids will bring in your life?

I guess so. I'm going to take a year off, be with them. I guess I'll be feeding all the time. How often do babies feed?

• Every two hours.

Oh God! That's impossible. Anyway, I think my kids will have to grow up leading a bohemian lifestyle. I'll take them to the sets, and they'll have to play there. They're already at ease on the sets. In the first couple of months, when I used to retch all the time, my stomach would always settle down when I went to the sets.

• Have things been a little easier with this film, being the second?

I've calmed down. For Main Hoon Na, I was really hyper. Even one bad review made me feel that there was a huge conspiracy theory going on around me! This time, I know I'll give a damn. Also, there was less panic on the sets. If anything went wrong, I'd shout at my ADs for 10 minutes and get over it.

• You've said that you'll have SRK in every film of yours. Isn't that a limiting condition, since you've to work around roles that suit him?

What do I do? Shah Rukh spoils you for working with anyone else. But he needn't be in the main role always. He can play a cameo, produce the film… I just want his involvement in all my films.

• How much time do you spend with him, apart from work?

I haven't met him for two weeks. I like to give a lot of space to people in my life. I don't get obsessive about people.

• Do you ever feel stifled with your work, feel the need to get away?

Not with filmmaking. But yes, I'm going to stop choreographing now. I can't think of anything new now, so it's better to stop. Especially choreographing for others' films, where I have no control. If it's a wedding scene, it's a wedding scene. Whether it was KANK or Heyy Babyy, I didn't do anything new, and I felt stagnated. For my own films, yes, at least I can decide that I want six packs for Shah Rukh, or shoot with 30 veterans…

• How much work went behind the six-pack?

So much that by the end of it I was begging Shah Rukh to please eat something! He couldn't even drink water for hours during shooting because there would be water retention and it would show on his stomach. His a#*e would ache while shooting, he'd get cramps. It all seems frivolous, but it was hard work.

• Is the film industry still regressive? Does it still need a little more spunk to be a woman here?

Well, the distributors are fine. They've stopped caring whether they buy a film from a man, woman or eunuch, as long as they recover their money. But yes, male directors still don't want to let us join the boys' club. Which is fine with me. Besides, plenty of male directors make pseudo-sensitive women-based films, which they accuse women directors of making. So what are they talking about, anyway?

* I'm going to stop choreographing now. I can't think of anything new now, so it's better to stop. Especially choreographing for others' films, where I have no control
– Farah Khan

* Recently Karan called me from London, saying that he couldn't believe he was standing in the lingerie department of Marks & Spencer, buying maternity bras for me!
– Farah Khan

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&se ctid=30&contentid=20071007200710070226044532c379262


Abhishek Bachchan acts funny in Om Shanti Om

By Joginder Tuteja, October 5, 2007 - 15:11 IST

While all are aware about a galaxy of stars making an appearance in Om Shanti Om, the latest buzz in the town is around Abhishek acting funny on the film's sets. Well, strictly for the camera!

Describing the situation in the film where Abhishek is said to have got the house on fire, Farah Khan says, "Abhishek is really funny in the scene. He plays himself while attending an award functions. As a nominee, he is shown to be competing with Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar."

From where does the comic element come in? "Well for that you have to watch the film", comes an obvious answer, "Though what I can reveal is that everyone from Shah Rukh to Akshay to Abhishek are making fun of themselves in the scene."

Farah further informs that it would be for around one to one and a half minutes of screen time that Abhishek enjoys in Om Shanti Om.

Talking about Abhishek's professionalism, Farah says, "Abhishek was quite sportive while enacting the scene. Also, he made an exception for us as he shot till 2 AM in the night. It was quite sweet of him since he just returned from the shoot of another film where he was busy till 10 PM."

http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/10/05/10204/index.html


'I told Shah Rukh, sorry darling, now you are Shakira. Off with your clothes'

She has triplets on the way, and a potential blockbuster too. Manjula Sen drops in on choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan and finds her cup is full

Tte tte

For someone who is 18 weeks pregnant with triplets, Farah Khan is surprisingly slim. And quite petite. She little resembles the plump guest who lately appeared on friend Karan Johar's television chat show with their common friend Shah Rukh Khan. Instead, the face is slimmer and the belly bump barely visible under maternity pants and a striped t-shirt. She may be throwing up most of the time but right now her skin glows.

"I was throwing up so much that luckily I did not put on weight," laughs the director whose sense of humour is evident throughout the meeting. Khan is gearing up for the release of her second film Om Shanti Om in November. Putting her feet up is what the doctor has ordered. Consequently, much of her media interviews are being conducted in a horizontal position on a couch at home.

Between music promos, pre-launch events and pregnancy check-ups, Khan has a full schedule. Did she ever think of putting plans for a family on hold till after the film? Khan, who has been married to editor-director Shirish Kunder for three years, says the clock was ticking. "We were trying for a baby for sometime. I did IVF (in-vitro fertilization). In between shootings, I was going to Jaslok hospital in the morning and coming back. I did not want to put it off until after the movie because I am 42," she says candidly. "I will need a senior citizen's pass at Disney World when I go there with the babies!" she guffaws.

While she has not planned her life, Khan says she has been prepared for the opportunities that came her way. And jumped over stumbling blocks. She is fulfilling her own dreams, even old ones. "I had to let go of many things because we did not have much money growing up. Like joining the Film Institute in Pune or learning the piano. "I have bought a keyboard for my babies. When they learn, I will learn with them."

Right now her cup is full. It wasn't always. "Ours was a riches to rags story but we have never made a big deal about it. Dad's humour instilled a disregard for all the trauma-makes-for-crazed-genius kind of stuff," snorts Khan. Kamran Khan, her father, was a successful stunt film-maker. Her mother, Menaka Irani, came from the film industry too; her mother's sisters were Honey and Daisy Irani.

Honey Irani's son, director Farhan Akhtar, and Farah share the same birthday, separated by a few years. "We used to call ourselves Capri 9. We were born on January 9 and were Capricorns. Corny, I know," Farha recalls. She is not really superstitious but she is happy about 9. "That's my number, and we got a Friday that is November 9 and 2007 is 9 so I feel it is my year. And I wanted a Diwali release, which is also happening."

When Kamran Khan's films began to flop he went to pieces, the marriage broke up and Farha and brother Sajid Khan (who debuted as director this year with the hit Heyy Baby!) shuttled between different homes. "See, we were always the poor cousins at that time. We were really treated well. But of course you know the difference between the privileged cousin and the not privileged. But now I think it's all equal and all fine," Khan smiles. The tough times have made her what she is: competitive and hardworking. It also taught her to take success and failure in her stride.

"You are only part of the film industry if you are doing well, let me tell you. You will be invited to parties and flowers will reach you on your birthday. When you are not doing well, you are really an outcast. So in that sense being part of the film industry did not really help us," Khan says bluntly.

Much before she got her chance break as a choreographer in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar in 1992, the turning point for Khan came while studying sociology in St Xavier's College and Michael Jackson's Thriller was telecast. She hadn't danced before that, but it became her vocation. She set up a dance group. Eventually, when reigning choreographer Saroj Khan walked out of JJWS, Farah got her break and the rest is well-documented history. During her career, she has worked on Broadway and Hollywood projects like Bombay Dreams, Vanity Fair and an MTV awards show with belly-dancing sensation Shakira.

So it's a bit of a shock when halfway through the interview Farah Khan casually lets drop the information she won't be choreographing any more. She is sick of doing wedding songs. The director of the eagerly anticipated Om Shanti Om who gifted Bollywood with cutting edge numbers such as Pehla Naasha, Chhaiya Chhaiya, Dil Chahta Hai and her own first film Main Hoon Na. "I have said no to Karan, no to my brother, no to my husband. SRK won't tell me to choreograph. He has been telling me for a long time not to. People who love me have been saying I should concentrate on directing: just relax and make your movies." She will continue to do overseas projects, however.

Khan's world is made up of old associations. She believes in saving and is still with the same bank she had in college. "Good old Bank of India. I am their oldest customer, I think."

And close friends. Try as one might, one cannot exclude her hero and producer, Shah Rukh Khan, from any conversation with her. He is her sounding board, her buddy. "It is true only I could have got Shah Rukh to do it. I think it would have been quite camp if a male director had made him do it. Also, it's his film, his production (SRK's company Red Chilli Productions has produced both Main Hoon Na and OSO), he needs to give some preference," she rolls her eyes. The Dard-e-disco song was to have originally been done by Shakira. "It's the last song I am doing. So I told Shah Rukh, sorry darling, now you are Shakira. Off with your clothes."
Every week the director and the hero would count the abs. "Once he got it, he was very charged. He had become like those self-obssessed heroines. I can understand, at one time I lost about 15-16 kgs 5-6 years ago and all I could do was stare at myself," she says.

While one friend is developing his abs for her, another, Karan Johar, is shopping for maternity bras for her in London. He travels so much and he is so good at shopping, says the expectant mother cheerfully.

Farah Khan wrote OSO while she was working on Bombay Dreams in Andrew Lloyd Webber's house in London. "SRK of course is a given but Deepika Padukone was the second person I cast. She was meeting me for a while with Reshma Shetty, who was managing her at that time. She is a classical Indian beauty and has a poise about her that is missing in newcomers today," Farah explains

For her next film, she may revisit her old idea Happy New Year. She is already contemplating a 2009 release.

Khan's husband is Mangalorean but she has not picked up any Tulu. "He refuses to teach me. I think he wants a code so that he and his mum can ***** about me," she grins, before waxing eloquent about her husband's calm nature. "He is like Buddha."

"He will be the good cop and I will be the wicked witch with my children," she says. Kunder is also the editor of both her movies. And Khan is equally unconcerned about the feckless ways of the film industry. "I have three babies coming, so at any given time one will be with him. When he is making a movie, one baby will be with him on eight-hour shifts. So at all times my three detectives will be with him," she chuckles.

"Somewhere my dad gave up. He was really so successful at his level that after a point he could not handle failure. But if you don't give up and believe in your talent, it's all a matter of a Friday. One Friday will change the tide." C'est la vie.

Source: The Telegraph, Kolkata October 7, 2007